Who is Jake Bugg?
To those in America, the name is unknown. To those across the ocean in the UK, it’s a name associated with the one of the up and coming singers of the 21st century. Why such a difference in perception?
It all revolves around the album Jake Bugg, which bears the same name as its creator. Those in Britain have full access to it, while only 3 songs are available to Americans without having to be imported. With so many successful singers recording in America, three songs can easily go unnoticed, as has been the case with the young Bugg. But these, along with the remaining tracks on the album, are capable of making a great impact on American music. I believe that by giving this album a chance, listeners will discover a very underrated and a very satisfying collection of songs.
What makes this album so special? It’s all in Jake Bugg’s ability to take old elements of music and turn them into something new. As a country/folk singer, it is very easy to slip into the river of today’s mainstream, but that doesn’t happen in this album. Bugg instead turns to the masters of the past for ideas, like Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan, who still maintain significance to this day. He is also influenced by ballads from bands such as Oasis or The Beatles. In this album, pieces of each are included, as well as a hefty portion of Bugg’s youthful influence. Together, it makes a pleasing combination.
The album begins with Johnny Cash style tunes in “Lightning Bolt” and “Taste It”. Lightning Bolt shows off Bugg’s ability to sing successfully at many volumes. It’s followed up by a feel-good song in “Two Fingers”, which tells the tale of Bugg’s family struggles and how he gets past them. The lyrics, “I’m alive and here I’m to stay!” strongly imply that his music is meant to live throughout the ages.
While the album starts off with a bang, the rest of the album proves to more melancholy and gentle, which is not necessarily a bad thing. “Seen it All” features Bugg’s vocals at their finest, as well as an Oasis type instrument solo. Bugg’s slick vocals take full control in Someone Told Me and the intense feelings expressed can make one shiver. Simple As This and Slide should be included alongside this album’s best tracks as well.
Jake Bugg is a great album that deserves much more credit than it has been given (or that hasn’t given for that matter!). When hearing it, a listener cannot help but feel strong emotions. Often folk music is tossed away as old fashioned and a thing of the past, but the teenage Bugg is out to change that. After listening to this album, I strongly believe he is very capable of doing so.
To those in America, the name is unknown. To those across the ocean in the UK, it’s a name associated with the one of the up and coming singers of the 21st century. Why such a difference in perception?
It all revolves around the album Jake Bugg, which bears the same name as its creator. Those in Britain have full access to it, while only 3 songs are available to Americans without having to be imported. With so many successful singers recording in America, three songs can easily go unnoticed, as has been the case with the young Bugg. But these, along with the remaining tracks on the album, are capable of making a great impact on American music. I believe that by giving this album a chance, listeners will discover a very underrated and a very satisfying collection of songs.
What makes this album so special? It’s all in Jake Bugg’s ability to take old elements of music and turn them into something new. As a country/folk singer, it is very easy to slip into the river of today’s mainstream, but that doesn’t happen in this album. Bugg instead turns to the masters of the past for ideas, like Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan, who still maintain significance to this day. He is also influenced by ballads from bands such as Oasis or The Beatles. In this album, pieces of each are included, as well as a hefty portion of Bugg’s youthful influence. Together, it makes a pleasing combination.
The album begins with Johnny Cash style tunes in “Lightning Bolt” and “Taste It”. Lightning Bolt shows off Bugg’s ability to sing successfully at many volumes. It’s followed up by a feel-good song in “Two Fingers”, which tells the tale of Bugg’s family struggles and how he gets past them. The lyrics, “I’m alive and here I’m to stay!” strongly imply that his music is meant to live throughout the ages.
While the album starts off with a bang, the rest of the album proves to more melancholy and gentle, which is not necessarily a bad thing. “Seen it All” features Bugg’s vocals at their finest, as well as an Oasis type instrument solo. Bugg’s slick vocals take full control in Someone Told Me and the intense feelings expressed can make one shiver. Simple As This and Slide should be included alongside this album’s best tracks as well.
Jake Bugg is a great album that deserves much more credit than it has been given (or that hasn’t given for that matter!). When hearing it, a listener cannot help but feel strong emotions. Often folk music is tossed away as old fashioned and a thing of the past, but the teenage Bugg is out to change that. After listening to this album, I strongly believe he is very capable of doing so.
ilovethecity
Join the Discussion
This article has 1 comment. Post your own!